FBI arrests Albany woman accused of plotting bomb attack on New York State Capitol
The Justice Department says a 35-year-old Albany resident was arrested for seeking material support for ISIL and planning a bomb attack on the state capitol, citing evidence from confidential informants.
Federal investigators announced Wednesday that Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, was arrested on charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and conspiring to bomb the New York State Capitol. The Department of Justice said Bowie pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and attempted to acquire explosives and firearms for the plot.
"Investigators stopped Bowie before she was able to act on her plot to bring terror to the Capital Region," said John A. Eisenberg, the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for national security.
According to a 21-page complaint, FBI agents used an undercover informant who communicated with Bowie through encrypted messaging apps. The informant arranged meetings, provided $200 for bomb-making materials, and facilitated the purchase of a firearm and ammunition. The complaint also notes that Bowie conducted reconnaissance of the capitol building and used a self-checkout lane at a hardware store to purchase supplies.
Bowie was taken into custody at an FBI office in Albany. During a post-arrest interview, she reportedly acknowledged the seriousness of the charges, noting that material-support offenses carry up to 20 years in prison.
The case highlights the FBI’s continued reliance on confidential informants in terrorism investigations, a tactic that has drawn criticism from civil-rights groups for potentially encouraging criminal activity through undercover operations.